England's Women's Rugby team has announced a significantly revamped lineup for their Six Nations championship defense, with utility back Helena Rowland earning a starting role at inside centre.
The Red Roses, fresh off their Rugby World Cup triumph in September, will feature eight changes from their championship-winning side when they face Ireland on Saturday at Allianz Stadium. The match marks England's first appearance since claiming their first world title in 11 years.
Head coach John Mitchell has turned to Rowland to fill the void left by injured centre Tatyana Heard, who started in the World Cup final but has been ruled out of the Six Nations with a foot injury. Rowland, who has played every backline position except scrum-half for her country, came off the bench in the championship match against Canada.
The reshuffle extends throughout the squad. A completely new half-back pairing sees Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison replace Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison. In the pack, Lilli Ives Campion steps in for the unavailable Abbie Ward, one of four England players recently announcing pregnancies.
Leadership duties fall to Megan Jones, who will captain the side following Zoe Stratford's pregnancy announcement in March. The back three will be anchored by star full-back Ellie Kildunne, a try-scorer in the World Cup final.
Other notable changes include Claudia Moloney-MacDonald replacing retired wing Abby Dow on the wing, and explosive flanker Maddie Feaunati earning a start on the blind-side. There is no place for World Cup standout Hannah Botterman in the front row, while 19-year-old forward Haineala Lutui could make her international debut from the bench.
Mitchell's squad enters the tournament on a remarkable 33-game winning streak, seeking an eighth consecutive Six Nations title and fifth straight Grand Slam. The championship opener has already generated massive interest, with over 75,000 tickets sold for the clash at Allianz Stadium.
England Starting XV: Ellie Kildunne; Jess Breach, Megan Jones (captain), Helena Rowland, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald; Holly Aitchison, Lucy Packer; Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Sarah Bern, Morwenna Talling, Lilli Ives Campion, Maddie Feaunati, Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews.
Replacements: Lark Davies, Mackenzie Carson, Maud Muir, Haineala Lutui, Sarah Beckett, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Sydney Gregson.
The Women's Six Nations match between England and Ireland kicks off at 14:25 BST on Saturday, 11 April, at Allianz Stadium, with live coverage available across BBC platforms.